Method and apparatus for treating tailings using alternating current

摘要

There is a method described of treating tailings which are composed of at least some water and clay particles. Within the tailings, at least some water molecules are weakly bond to the clay particles to form a gel like fluid from which water does not readily separate. An alternating current is applied to the tailings to change the electro-chemical properties of the tailings to reduce the weak bonding between the water and the clay particles so that water within the treated tailings is able to separate. Water within the treated tailings is then allowed to separate without further application of electricity. In some embodiments, the treated tailings are allowed to separate through evaporation. Liquid tailings may also be treated with alternating current by applying alternating current to the liquid tailings at a voltage gradient range of 1 to 5 V/cm for a total duration of 24 to 300 hours. The application of alternating current may further comprise applying alternating current at a frequency of 1 to 30 Hz.